Vireo ID help
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Robin Allison
May 14, 2020, 10:06:55 AM5/14/20
to Colorado Birds
We saw this vireo foraging very high in the trees at Norma’s Grove (Pawnee Grassland) yesterday. The yellow flanks were obvious in person and I thought it was a Cassin’s, but looking at the photo now I’m wondering if it might be Plumbeous instead. What say you?
Thanks!
Robin
Thanks!
Robin
Carl Bendorf
May 14, 2020, 10:38:21 AM5/14/20
to Colorado Birds
Robin,
I can see what made you think about Cassin's. To my eye, much of the underparts and even the throat look a bit yellowish so I wonder if this isn't reflection from the green leaves?
I'm sure others more knowledgeable will also weight in.
Carl Bendorf
Longmont
Boulder County
Caleb A
May 14, 2020, 11:54:23 AM5/14/20
to Colorado Birds
Hello!
Your photo is very intriguing and provided me with almost 20 minutes of thinking. Both Plumbeous and Cassin's share a lot of field marks, so my conclusion is the result of studying the differences.
I believe your bird is a Plumbeous Vireo, and here's why:
1) although the photo only shows a little bit of it, the edges on the secondaries are gray. Cassin's would be greenish, or at least tinted in some color other than gray.
2) the tail is pretty short, and I realize that this is a relative measurement, but after considering both the camera angle and bird's posture, the tail's length leaned toward Plumbeous to me.
3) it's important to note that Plumbeous can have faint yellow wash on the flanks. However, after reviewing the photography aspects (lighting, surroundings, etc.) I concluded that the yellowish coloration on the undersides of the bird are the result of the bright sun reflecting off the nearby, young leaves. That would also explain how the yellowish tint on the photo seems to be almost uniformly spread out on the entire underside of the bird.
It should be known that I'm no expert on Vireos, and am still enjoying learning this fun family of birds too, so take this with a grain of salt!
Your photo is very intriguing and provided me with almost 20 minutes of thinking. Both Plumbeous and Cassin's share a lot of field marks, so my conclusion is the result of studying the differences.
I believe your bird is a Plumbeous Vireo, and here's why:
1) although the photo only shows a little bit of it, the edges on the secondaries are gray. Cassin's would be greenish, or at least tinted in some color other than gray.
2) the tail is pretty short, and I realize that this is a relative measurement, but after considering both the camera angle and bird's posture, the tail's length leaned toward Plumbeous to me.
3) it's important to note that Plumbeous can have faint yellow wash on the flanks. However, after reviewing the photography aspects (lighting, surroundings, etc.) I concluded that the yellowish coloration on the undersides of the bird are the result of the bright sun reflecting off the nearby, young leaves. That would also explain how the yellowish tint on the photo seems to be almost uniformly spread out on the entire underside of the bird.
It should be known that I'm no expert on Vireos, and am still enjoying learning this fun family of birds too, so take this with a grain of salt!
The birds are happy, and so am I
~Caleb Alons, Larimer County
Robin Jasper
May 14, 2020, 10:07:38 PM5/14/20
to Colorado Birds
Thank you Caleb, I appreciate all your thoughtful comments. I wish I had been able to obtain a better photo!
Robin
Robin Jasper
May 14, 2020, 10:07:38 PM5/14/20
to Colorado Birds
Caleb, thanks for your detailed and thoughtful response. I just wish I had been able to get a more diagnostic photo!
Robin
On Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 9:54:23 AM UTC-6, Caleb A wrote:
On Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 9:54:23 AM UTC-6, Caleb A wrote:
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